KHUJAND – PENJIKENT – DUSHANBE

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From

To

Day

Place

Programs

1

Khujand

The Uzbek border Oybek (65km)., where you will be met and assisted to Khujand. Khujand, located in the north, is Tajikistan’s second largest city and one of its most ancient, founded about 2300 years ago. During the time of Alexander the Great (approx. 329 B.C.), Khujand became known as the furthest settlement of his conquest. Commanding the entrance to the Fergana Valley, Khujand became very prosperous and its riches spawned palaces, great mosques, and a citadel, which survived until the Mongol destruction in the early 13th century. According to Greek historians, Alexander founded a fortress on the River Tanais or Yaksart (present day Syr Darya River) which formed a natural border of his empire. Visit the fortress by the Syr Darya River and the Khujand ethnographic museum. In the afternoon visit the Panjshanbe Bazaar and Sheikh Musliddin Madras dedicated to a 12th century poet. Overnight in hotel.

2

Khujand Penjikent

(300 km)

After breakfast, depart for Penjikent via the Shahriston Pass (3378 m.),. The city is located in the Khujand area in the picturesque Zervshan River Valley. The original site of the city is thought to be once part of ancient Sogdiana territory, originating in the 5th to 8th century in pre-Islamic Central Asia. Penjikent became an important cultural and crafts center of Sogd. The ruins of this ancient city, found in the last century, were dubbed the “Central Asian Pompeii.” It was a superbly-fortified and well-organized city with palaces, temples, markets, and rich dwellings, decorated with paintings as well as wooden and clay statues. We will then visit the church of fire worshipers. Today tourists may also visit the ongoing archaeological excavations. Night accommodation is in a local guesthouse.

3

Penjikent Seven Lakes

Today we will take a day trip to the Fannsky Gory, or the “Fan Mountains,” one of the Central Asia’s most popular hiking areas. Our journey begins from Penjikent to the “Seven Lakes,” or Marquzor Lakes, about 60 km. south. You will have time for a short hike. The road winds along a gorge where seven lakes are located, situated at different altitudes. Each lake has its own gorgeous color. Along the route you can meet the local people and get a glimpse of their way of life, and if time allows, more visits and hiking. Overnight at guesthouse.

4

Penjikent Iskandarkul Lake

(180 km)

After breakfast depart for Iskanderkul Lake (2255 m.), high in the Fan Mountains. The amazing scenery makes it one of the most picturesque and tranquil locations in Central Asia. You will be able to walk along its beaches and hike to a nearby waterfall. Tajikistan has the highest water reserves of all Central Asia, with more than 1,000 rivers, 200 lakes and 8,000 glaciers. Overnight at a guesthouse.

5

Iskanarkul Lake Dushanbe

(140 km)

In the morning, leave for the capital city of Dushanbe via the Anzoba Pass and Isticlol Tunnel. The road travels through dramatic scenery and many mountain passes. Ample time for many photo stops. Dushanbe means “Monday” in Tajik, named because it grew from a village that was a popular Monday market place. Upon arrival in Dushanbe, start with a city tour, visiting Rudake Park, the National Library, the White House, the National State Seal, the House of Parliament. Time for photos in the National Park, where you can view the 165 m. flag pole. Visit the Central Museum followed by lunch. After lunch, we will visit the Gurminj Museum of Traditional Musical Instruments. Overnight in hotel.

6

Dushanbe

After breakfast transfer to the airport for departure.

Cost of the tour: upon request

You can change the program and route of the proposed tour at your discretion. After your confirmation, we will calculate the cost of the tour and let you know.

The price includes:

All transfers and transport;

All (double/single accommodation): Hotel, Guest houses and Home stays.